What is the Qur’an?

The Qur’an is the record of the exact words revealed by God (Allah) through the Angel Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It was memorized by Muhammad (peace be upon him) and then dictated to his companions and written down by scribes, who crosschecked it during his lifetime. Not one word of its 114 chapters, Surahs, has been changed over the centuries, so that the Quran is in every detail the unique and miraculous text that was revealed to Muhammad (peace be upon him) fourteen centuries ago.

What is the Qur’an about?

The Qur’an, the last revealed word of God, is the prime source of every Muslim’s faith and practice. It deals with all the subjects, which concern us as human beings: wisdom, doctrine, worship, and law, but its basic theme is the relationship between God and his creatures. At the same time it provides guidelines for a just society, proper human conduct and an equitable economic system.

Are there any other sacred sources?

Yes, the sunnah, the practice and example of the Prophet is the second authority for Muslims. A hadith is a reliably transmitted report of what the Prophet said, did, or approved. Belief in the sunnah is the part of the Islamic faith.

Examples of the Prophet’s sayings

The Prophet said:

‘God has no mercy on one who has no mercy for others’.

‘None of you truly believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself’.

‘He who eats his fill while his neighbor goes without food is not a believer’.

‘The truthful and trusty businessman is associated with the Prophets, the saints, and the martyrs.’

‘Powerful is not he who knocks the other down, indeed powerful is the who controls himself in a fit of anger.’

‘God does not judge according to your bodies and appearances but he scans your hearts and looks into your deeds.’